Identifying the Iterested Publc

[Judy Hines <jjhines@rocketmail.com>]

Hello, my name is Judy and I am an Environmental Science senior at Morehead State University in Morehead, KY. I am a member of Smart Progress, a citizens action group formed to stop an interstate interchange and connector road that will cut through the Daniel Boone National Forest. Much of Rowan county is in the National Forest. I am also a member of Kentuckians for the Commenwealth, a statewide org. that works on environmntal and social justice issues, and I started a chapter here in Rowan county. Through these groups I have participated in many local and state public meetings and government procedings.

I joined this discussion to learn, I have found it very hard here in Eastern Kentucky to involve people from all walks of life for various reasons. Those hardest to convince that their voice makes a difference is minority,low-income,and the underserved. Eastern Kentuckians have been dumped on for so long, the "It won't do any good" syndrome is passed down from generation to generation. 

In my position as publicity coordinator for our chapter, I have tried using public service announcements on the local radio, newspapers, and TV station which have been somewhat effective. We also use mass mailing when we need written comments, providing forms or an addressed postcard.